The Peril of Ignoring Consequences
FROM time to time newspapers carry tragic stories of people who have fallen into serious trouble by failing to consider the consequences of their actions. Often they admit to the error of their ways with a statement such as, “I didn’t think anyone would get hurt”; “I didn’t know it was loaded”; “Things just got out of hand”; “I guess we didn’t think it through.”
The people of Judah failed to think through the consequences of their choices (Lamentations 1:9). For generations they ignored the Law’s warnings against idolatry, oppressing the poor, cheating in business, relying on foreign governments (especially Egypt) for security, and other sins of public life. They maintained a pretense of worshiping the Lord by keeping up temple rituals, but the reality was that they had turned their backs on God. The Lord sent numerous prophets to warn His people of impending disaster, but the Judeans routinely ignored them (2 Chronicles 36:15-16). As a result, they were shocked when the Babylonians finally came and destroyed their way of life.
As you consider your own life, what consequences are you perhaps ignoring? Is there a relationship that needs healing, a problem that needs to be solved, a habit that needs to be broken or established, or a decision that needs to be made? Procrastination will only invite sudden disaster and ruin. Why not get started today on making changes—before it’s too late?
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 